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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rainbowbrite on February 9, 2005, at 22:22:25
Ok I am not sure if I am posting on the right board but i am trying to figure something out. Is a person dependent on medication forever once they are on them for and extended period of time?
i am really struggling to understand disorders of the brain. I feel in some ways that I do not need medication, but when I lower my medications I really feel low and high and there is no consistancy.
Once we are on medications do we then create a dependancce on drugs unless we want to SUFFER endless days of mental anguish until our brains go back to the way they were before?
the whole idea of CBT really confuses me. If it is our thought processes that create depression than why are we still on meds?
Is it healthy to be on drugs for extended periods of time?
How have people come to terms with accepting that they are going to have to take drugs forever and rely on something to keep your mood even? I think about the possibility of being stranded in a country where my med does not exist, what would I do? Does anyone relate to this?
i am so lost right now, feeling like Im dependant on chemicals to be ok.
And what is the possibility that these drugs just have a placebo affect adn thats it?
i apoligize for all the questions im just trying to understand
Thank you
Rain
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 12, 2005, at 0:23:13
In reply to Are we chemically dependent forever?, posted by rainbowbrite on February 9, 2005, at 22:22:25
> Ok I am not sure if I am posting on the right board but i am trying to figure something out. Is a person dependent on medication forever once they are on them for and extended period of time?
Sorry to interrupt, but since it has to do with medication, how about the main Psycho-Babble board? Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050207/msgs/456629.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Toph on February 12, 2005, at 8:16:37
In reply to Redirect: Are we chemically dependent forever?, posted by Dr. Bob on February 12, 2005, at 0:23:13
>
> Sorry to interrupt, but since it has to do with medication, how about the main Psycho-Babble board? >
> BobBob, it is admittedly not my thread and maybe the original poster was asking a question about pharmacology, but even though I replied mainly about my issues with dependency on litium, the essence of my comment was on the struggle with issues of mental illness identity, acceptance of a theapeutic regimen (which could have easily been a discussion of psychotherapy instead of lithium), and a longing to stay well. I was hoping to hear from those regular members of this soon-to-be gated community.
Since you asked a question to which you evidently had no intention of considering replies before moving the thread to a different soon-to-be gated community, before I loose the ability to re-enter this community I am bringing my comment back to this esteemed community for their consideration (see post below). I hope you will not deem my actions to be an uncivil demeaning characterization of the fine members of the other soon-to be gated community. Will I next find this post moved to the soon-to-be gated admin community? Or will I need to wait 6 weeks to defend my constructinve criticism because of my sarcastic tone? (I guess I still have a stick up my *ss, sorry)
Posted by Toph on February 12, 2005, at 8:32:07
In reply to Re: Redirect: » Dr. Bob, posted by Toph on February 12, 2005, at 8:16:37
(copy)
The only comment I would add to mair's excellent response is my experience as a 25-year user of lithium. The concern we have regarding a life-long dependence on medication is certainly a universal theme for individuals with mental illness. I resisted for years my psychiatrist's advice to take lithium despite recurring hospitalizations for both psychotic manic and clinical depressive episodes. I could not accept a self-image of myself as someone who was permanently flawed in my bio-chemistry. It took the birth of my son while I was hospitalized to convince myself that I could no longer deny my condition. I have been free of significant mental decompensation for over 23 years and counting. The irony of the question posed by rain is that my current fear is not whether I will be dependent on lithium, but rather an increasing fear that my medication will someday no longer be effective. I have indeed come to peace with my dependency on medication and, with time, have come to embrace it.Toph
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2005, at 22:49:48
In reply to Re: Redirect: » Dr. Bob, posted by Toph on February 12, 2005, at 8:16:37
> the essence of my comment was on the struggle with issues of mental illness identity, acceptance of a theapeutic regimen (which could have easily been a discussion of psychotherapy instead of lithium), and a longing to stay well.
Discussion of issues like those is fine here.
> Since you asked a question to which you evidently had no intention of considering replies before moving the thread to a different soon-to-be gated community...
Who said this community was soon to be gated? Please don't be sarcastic or post information that you know to be false.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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